Government has taken a significant step towards addressing perennial flooding and housing challenges with the aim of tackling the deficit of 1.8 million housing units in the country.
Accordingly, the Minister for Works and Housing, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah launched Ghana Hydrological Fund with a seed capital of GH¢1.5 million, a crucial initiative aimed at mitigating flood risks and improving water management across the nation.
He launched the fund at the opening of a three-day Built Environment National Conference on Housing and Hydrology (BENCHH) 2024 in Accra yesterday.
Addressing a diverse assembly of government officials, industry experts, and development partners, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah underscored the critical need for sustainable funding to tackle Ghana’s flooding problems.
“Government through the Ministry of Works and Housing has prioritized an allocation of 1.5 million Ghana Cedis as seed money for the fund,” he announced.
The Minister who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase/Ayirebi urged all stakeholders, including development partners, to contribute towards the success of the fund, highlighting its role in expediting essential projects such as drainage construction and dredging.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stressed the severity of Ghana’s flooding problem, particularly during the rainy season, exacerbated by inadequate drainage infrastructure and the escalating impact of climate change.
According to him, only 2% of drainage channels in the Greater Accra Region, requiring concrete lining, have been addressed, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive action.
He said the fund aims to provide a structured financial mechanism to expedite necessary projects like drainage construction and dredging help address the country’s flooding problems head-on.
1.8 million housing units
Apart flooding menace, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah addressed Ghana’s housing deficit, currently standing at 1.8 million units.
He acknowledged challenges in affordable housing programmes due to funding limitations and project delays, exacerbated by unfinished projects from previous administrations.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah has therefore advocated robust public-private partnerships, offering incentives to private developers to undertake large-scale affordable housing projects.
During the three-day BENCHH 2024 conference, discussions will include regulatory reforms and the establishment of a Works Inspectorate Unit to ensure adherence to building and safety standards.
The Ministry of Works and Housing aims to present comprehensive reports on government initiatives, achievements, and challenges, seeking input from stakeholders on innovative approaches.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah expressed confidence in the outcomes of BENCHH 2024, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts to drive tangible progress in Ghana’s built environment sector.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute their expertise towards crafting actionable strategies that address the nation’s housing and hydrology challenges comprehensively.
